67’s lose 5-1 to the Rangers as specialty teams implode

Adam Mascherin scored back-to-back power play goals in the second period to lead the Kitchener Rangers to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Ottawa 67’s.

The Ottawa 67’s came into Kitchener with the 4th best power play and the 5th best penalty kill in the entire Ontario Hockey League.

Well, you can throw those stats out the window for tonight’s game.

Despite the undisciplined play of the Rangers, who combined for 35 minutes in penalties, the 67’s were not able to capitalize on their opportunities.  The 67’s went 0/10 on the power play and 2/4 on the penalty kill – not including the 7 second penalty kill at the end of the third.

It wasn’t for lack of effort. The 67’s generated lots of chances, but it was only Ben Fanjoy who was able to get a puck past Luke Opilka in the Kitchener net. That was midway through the opening frame. Opilka shut the door for the remainder of the game and made 28 of 29 saves for his 16th win of the season.

The 67’s lead in the first period was short-lived after Jeremy Bracco tied the game at one just 29 seconds later. The Rangers took a two-lead in the second period. Mascherin took advantage of a spearing double-minor to Dante Salituro and scored once for each minor.

With complete action at both sides, both goaltenders had to be sharp throughout the game and into the third period. About 7 minutes into the third, the Rangers made it the game almost out of reach. David Miller added his 4th of the season and gave his team a 3-goal lead.

Desperate for offense, 67’s head coach Jeff Brown made a gutsy move and pulled Leo Lazarev for an extra attacker on Ottawa’s 9th power play opportunity with over 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd period. It didn’t pan out for the 67’s.

Jacob Cascagnette scored on the empty net well after the power play expired to seal the 5-1 win.

Leo Lazarev, who made his 5th straight start and his 9th start in the last 11 games, stopped 32 of 36 shots for his 6th loss of the season.

The 67’s will have to answer to an angry Jeff Brown as they try to regroup as they prepare to take on another power house in the London Knights tomorrow.

Game summay here.